121 State Street HarperPolling.com Brock@HarperPolling.

com
Harrisburg, PA 17101


TO: American Action Network
FROM: Brock McCleary, President
DATE: June 30, 2014
RE: Key Findings Illinois CD-10 Poll



Margin of Error Race with Low Incumbent Job Approval
In a rematch from 2012, Congressman Brad Schneider is locked in a margin-of-error race with challenger Bob Dold,
who leads Schneider 42-39%. Dold receives 79% of the Republican vote and 12% of the Democratic vote
compared to Schneider who receives 74% support from Democrats and 9% from Republicans. Dold leads 34-32%
among independents.

Schneiders vulnerability on the ballot is the result of voters low opinion of his job performance: just 28% say
they approve. With 28% disapproval and 44% unsure of his job performance, Schneider has not closed the sale
with voters during his first term in Congress.


Political Party Brand Challenges
In a district he won with 58% in 2012, President Obamas job approval is a net negative 2% (44% approve, 46%
disapprove). The gubernatorial race also shows Democratic erosion as incumbent Pat Quinn trails challenger Bruce
Rauner 49-37%.

Congressman Schneiders association with Washington Democrats is detrimental to his reelection hopes. Strong
pluralities are less likely to vote for a candidate who claims to be moderate and independent but campaigns with
Nancy Pelosi (32% more likely, 45% less likely) or votes with party leadership 90% of the time (15% more likely,
43% less likely).


Voter Concerns: Medicare Advantage Cuts, Business/Tax Record
Cuts to Medicare Advantage under Obamacare, which Congressman Schneider supports, make 47% less likely to
vote for him. In the context of Schneiders questioned credentials as a businessman, 56% are less likely to vote for
him upon learning of his support for an income tax increase impacting small businesses.

In summary, the race for Congress is as competitive as they come in the country. Unlike 2012, Congressman
Schneider will not benefit from a presidential election turnout model and a popular home-state President at the
top of the ticket. That is bad news for an incumbent with a 28% job approval rating among likely voters.


METHODOLOGY:
The sample size for the survey is 400 likely voters and the margin of error is +/-4.9%. The Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
automated telephone survey was conducted June 24-25, 2014 by Harper Polling for American Action Network. The total
percentages for responses may not equal 100% due to rounding.